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PubMed1982

The fibular reciprocal fracture in tibial shaft fractures caused by indirect violence.

A series of 200 consecutive junctional middle-distal third tibial shaft fractures caused by indirect violence was analysed with emphasis on the significance of the location of the fibular reciprocal fracture. The fibular fracture was eccentric, i.e. subcapital or malleolar, in 96 patients. This fracture pattern was encountered only in adults and showed significantly more severe initial displacement and with conservative treatment longer union time than fractures with intact fibula or the fibular fracture on the same level with the tibial fracture. Especially for fractures with an initial lateral displacement of more than one half of the diaphyseal diameter and with an eccentric fibular reciprocal fracture internal fixation with uncomplicated postoperative course shortened the union time and prevented residual deformity. A malleolar fibular fracture and the rare separate displaced posterior triangle fracture should in addition as such be regarded as indications for osteosynthesis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Sequencing LeFort fracture treatment (Organization of treatment for a panfacial fracture).

The types of midfacial fractures and their complexity were evaluated in admissions to the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Service Systems (MIEMSS) during the years of 1984 to 1988. Two hundred and sixty-eight LeFort fractures were treated and followed (3.2 percent of admissions). One half (50 percent) had skull fractures and 40 patients (15 percent) had LeFort, skull and mandibular fractures. Isolated nasoethmoidal fractures were observed in 176 patients and in 107 patients (39 percent) of patients with LeFort fractures. Isolated mandibular fractures were observed in 321 patients and in 104 patients with LeFort fractures (39 percent). Eleven percent of patients had midfacial, nasoethmoidal and frontal sinus fractures. Six percent of patients had midfacial, frontal bone, frontal sinus and nasoethmoidal fractures (Cranial Base Crush Syndrome). Twenty two percent of patients had LeFort and frontal sinus fractures. Reconstruction of multiple area injuries is simplified by a highly organized treatment sequence that conceptualizes the face in two groups of two units. Each unit is divided into sections, and each section is assembled in three dimensions. Sections are integrated into units and units into a single reconstruction. Conceptually, in each unit, facial width must first be controlled by orientation from cranial base landmarks. Projection is then (and often reciprocally with width) established. Finally, facial length is set both in individual units and in the upper and lower face. Soft tissue is considered the "fourth dimension" of facial reconstruction. Bone reconstruction should be completed as early as possible to minimize soft tissue shrinkage, stiffness and scarring of soft tissues in nonantomic positions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fracture Fixation↗
PubMed2006

Selective screw placement in forearm compression plating: results of 75 consecutive fractures stabilized with 4 cortices of screw fixation on either side of the fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) assess the effectiveness of an alternative plate and screw construct for all diaphyseal forearm fracture patterns and (2) test the hypothesis that as the working length (WL) to plate length (PL) ratio increases, so does the construct instability and therefore likelihood of failure. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three patients were operatively treated and 53 were available for follow-up, totaling 75 diaphyseal fractures (19 ulna, 12 radius, and 22 radius/ulna). Average follow-up was 14.6 months (8-26). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were followed postoperatively at 1 to 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 4 months, and then at 3 month intervals. Radiographs were analyzed for changes in fracture alignment, loose or broken hardware, and fracture-healing characteristics. Fracture union was defined when a fracture was radiographically healed and clinically asymptomatic, and the patient was able to return to all activities without restrictions. RESULTS: No fractures showed radiographic evidence of changes in alignment after fixation. There were no refractures, no infections, and one nonunion. The overall union rate after the index procedure was 97.1% for the radius and 97.6% for the ulna. WL:PL ratio averaged 0.17 (range 0-0.57) and the most frequently used PL was 7 holes (n=43). Patients with closed fractures did have a significantly reduced time to union when compared to those with open fractures (P=0.002). Overall union rate averaged 9.8 weeks (range 6-32 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Fixation with a standard length compression plate and four cortices of screw fixation on either side of the fracture seems to be a stable construct for diaphyseal forearm fractures and may result in union rates equivalent to those cited in the literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

"Occult" osteoporotic vertebral fractures: vertebral body fractures without radiologic collapse.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVES: We report our experience with patients who presented with osteoporotic vertebral fractures with no visible deformation of vertebral body. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures largely relies on the observation of vertebral deformations on plain radiographs, termed vertebral collapses. There are no data on the characteristics, or indeed of the reality, of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with no significant deformation of the vertebral body. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed cases that presented with acute back pain with no initial deformation of the vertebral body on plain radiographs, and later proved to be fresh osteoporotic vertebral body fractures. All cases met each of the following criteria: 1) The incriminated vertebra appeared normal on initial radiographs (Genant's Grade 0 deformation). 2) The diagnosis of fresh vertebral body fracture was confirmed by MRI. 3) The diagnosis of osteoporosis was made by the combination of established osteoporosis, ruling out of underlying disease, and follow-up. RESULTS: We observed 21 fractures in 16 patients (11 female/5 male; mean age, 72 years). Most of these fractures affected the lumbar spine (14 of 21 occurred at L2-L5). Osteoporosis was known beforehand in 9 patients and newly diagnosed in 7 patients. At follow-up, radiographs were obtained for 19 of 21 fractures: in 15 cases, the vertebral fracture developed a vertebral collapse (Genant's Grade > or = 0.5) in a mean of 12.5 weeks (range, 4-24 weeks); in the 4 remaining cases, the vertebra remained normal. All cases had a clinically favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures with no sign of vertebral collapse on initial radiographs do indeed exist. They are analogous to occult stress fractures well known in other skeletal sites. They must not be misdiagnosed as malignant lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Fracture risk reduction with alendronate in women with osteoporosis: the Fracture Intervention Trial. FIT Research Group.

We examined the effect of alendronate treatment for 3-4 yr on risk of new fracture among 3658 women with osteoporosis enrolled in the Fracture Intervention Trial. This cohort included women with existing vertebral fracture and those with osteoporosis as defined by T score of less than -2.5 at the femoral neck but without vertebral fracture. All analyses were prespecified in the data analysis plan. The magnitudes of reduction of fracture incidence with alendronate were similar in both groups. The two groups were, therefore, pooled to obtain a more precise estimate of the effect of alendronate on relative risk of fracture (relative risk, 95% confidence interval): hip (0.47, 0.26-0.79), radiographic vertebral (0.52, 0.42-0.66), clinical vertebral (0.55, 0.36-0.82), and all clinical fractures (0.70, 0.59-0.82). Reductions in risk of clinical fracture were statistically significant by 12 months into the trial. We conclude that reductions in fracture risk during treatment with alendronate are consistent in women with existing vertebral fractures and those without such fractures but with bone mineral density in the osteoporotic range. Furthermore, reduction in risk is evident early in the course of treatment. This pooled analysis provides a more precise estimate of the antifracture efficacy of alendronate in women with osteoporosis than that in prior reports.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Which fractures are associated with low appendicular bone mass in elderly women? The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which types of fractures have an increased incidence in elderly women with low appendicular bone mass. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four clinical centers in the United States (Baltimore, Maryland; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Portland, Oregon; Monangehela Valley, Pennsylvania); and one coordinating center in San Francisco, California. SUBJECTS: Ambulatory, nonblack women (9704) aged 65 years or more who were recruited from population-based listings. MEASUREMENTS: We measured bone mass at the distal and proximal radius and calcaneus using single-photon absorptiometry. Fractures were verified radiographically. Associations were calculated as age-adjusted hazard ratios (with 95% Cls) per standard deviation decrease in bone mass. MAIN RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 2.23 years, 841 nonspinal fractures occurred in 753 women. The risks for fractures of the wrist, foot, humerus, hip, rib, toe, leg, pelvis, hand, and clavicle were significantly related to reduced bone mass (P less than 0.05). These fractures represented 74% of nonspinal fractures. The overall hazard ratio for the occurrence of one or more of these fractures was 1.65 (Cl, 1.49 to 1.82) at the distal radius. In a subsample of the cohort, vertebral fractures were also related to low bone mass. Fractures of the ankle, elbow, finger, and face, however, were not associated with bone mass at any measurement site; the overall hazard ratio for these fractures was 1.12 (Cl, 0.96 to 1.30) at the distal radius. CONCLUSION: Most types of fractures have an increased incidence in elderly women with low bone mass.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Physical activity and osteoporotic fracture risk in older women. Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been related to enhanced bone mass and improved physical functioning and thus may reduce the risk for osteoporotic fracture. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether higher levels of physical activity are related to lower incidence of hip, wrist, and vertebral fractures. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Four clinical centers in Baltimore, Maryland; Portland, Oregon; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and the Monongahela Valley, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: 9704 nonblack women 65 years of age or older. MEASUREMENTS: Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire at baseline. Hip and wrist fractures were followed for an average of 7.6 years. The incidence of vertebral fracture was determined morphometrically by using radiography at baseline and an average of 3.7 years later. RESULTS: Higher levels of leisure time, sport activity, and household chores and fewer hours of sitting daily were associated with a significantly reduced relative risk for hip fracture after adjustment for age, dietary factors, falls at baseline, and functional and health status. Very active women (fourth and fifth quintiles) had a statistically significant 36% reduction in hip fractures (relative risk, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.45 to 0.891) compared with the least active women (lowest quintile). The intensity of physical activity was also related to fracture risk: Moderately to vigorously active women had statistically significant reductions of 42% and 33% in risk for hip and vertebral fractures, respectively, compared with inactive women. Total physical activity, hours of household chores per day, and hours of sitting per day were not significantly associated with wrist or vertebral fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Among older community-dwelling women, physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for hip fracture but not wrist or vertebral fracture.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Secondary fractures associated with external fixation in pediatric femur fractures.

Sixty-six femur fractures sustained by children ages 4-14 years and treated with external fixation were reviewed retrospectively to assess factors influencing the incidence of refracture. The total rate of secondary fracture was 12% (eight patients) including five recurrent fractures at the original fracture site and three fractures through the pin sites. After removal of the external fixator, five patients refractured at the original fracture site and one patient fractured through a pin tract. Two patients fractured at pin sites while the fixator was still in place. Multivariate linear-regression analysis showed no correlation between the incidence of refracture and fracture pattern, percentage of bone fragment contact after fixator application, type of external fixator, or dynamization. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between the number of cortices demonstrating bridging callus [on both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views] at the time of fixator removal and the rate of refracture. Fractures showing fewer than three cortices of bridging callus had a three (33%) in nine rate of refracture, whereas fractures with three or four cortices of bridging callus had a two (4%) of 57 rate of refracture.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[A study of risk factor in osteoporosis, femoral neck fracture and colles' fracture].

This work studied risk factors of osteoporosis, femoral neck fracture and Colles' fracture. The results were compared with those of a healthy group. Milk intake was frequent in the healthy group, but rare in the femoral neck fracture or Colles' fracture group. Most of osteoporosis and femoral neck fracture group were bed ridden, or stayed indoors for a long time before injury. They weighed less and were thin as compared to the healthy group. Decrease of activities of daily living and less body weight were risk factors of osteoporosis and femoral neck fracture, but these risk factors were more predominant in the femoral neck fracture than osteoporosis group. In this study, 74.4% of the patients with femoral neck fracture also had osteoporosis and 33.3% with Colles' fracture had osteoporosis. Colles' fracture was related to injury force and femoral neck fracture was found to be closely related to osteoporosis.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

Non-reducible, open tibial plafond fractures treated with a circular external fixator (is the current classification sufficient for identifying fractures in this area?).

While some researchers advocate primary arthrodesis for the treatment of open, severely comminuted tibial plafond fractures, others argue that an external fixator is an alternative. In this study, we obtained intermediate clinical and radiological outcomes on treating such fractures with a circular external fixator. Twelve patients with non-reducible, open tibial plafond fractures were treated with a circular external fixator and minimal osteo-synthesis. The fractures were grouped using a modification of the Ruedi and Allgower classification: eight, two, and two of the patients had Type III, IVA, and IVB fractures, respectively. The bone transport technique was applied in the patients with a Type IVB fracture. Four parameters were tracked in the patients: the reduction score of the joint surface, early complications, and the radiological and clinical findings of the ankle. The average follow-up period of the patients was 54.5 months. In the postoperative radiological examinations, the reduction score of the joint surface exceeded 15 in four patients and was 12-15 in eight patients. Type III and IVA fractures united with an average healing time of 4.25 months. Surface wound infection was observed in three patients. One patient each developed fibular osteomyelitis, claw toe, and 2cm shortness. Among the patients with Type IVB fractures, nonunion and malunion in the newly forming callus was observed in one patient, and nonunion alone was observed in another patient. On the final check, both the clinical and radiological findings were poor for all of the patients, with a reduction score exceeding 15. High-energy and poor joint surface reduction scores are two important factors affecting both the clinical and radiological results. For the fractures with reduction scores below 15, it is particularly difficult to predict the clinical results. Therefore, we recommend that such fractures be treated with a circular external fixator and believe that arthrodesis in accordance with the patient's choice is a desirable treatment method.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2006

Analysis of a mesoscale infiltration and water seepage test in unsaturated fractured rock: Spatial variabilities and discrete fracture patterns.

A mesoscale (21 m in flow distance) infiltration and seepage test was recently conducted in a deep, unsaturated fractured rock system at the crossover point of two underground tunnels. Water was released from a 3 mx4 m infiltration plot on the floor of an alcove in the upper tunnel, and seepage was collected from the ceiling of a niche in the lower tunnel. Significant temporal and (particularly) spatial variabilities were observed in both measured infiltration and seepage rates. To analyze the test results, a three-dimensional unsaturated flow model was used. A column-based scheme was developed to capture heterogeneous hydraulic properties reflected by these spatial variabilities observed. Fracture permeability and van Genuchten alpha parameter [van Genuchten, M.T., 1980. A closed-form equation for predicting the hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 44, 892-898] were calibrated for each rock column in the upper and lower hydrogeologic units in the test bed. The calibrated fracture properties for the infiltration and seepage zone enabled a good match between simulated and measured (spatially varying) seepage rates. The numerical model was also able to capture the general trend of the highly transient seepage processes through a discrete fracture network. The calibrated properties and measured infiltration/seepage rates were further compared with mapped discrete fracture patterns at the top and bottom boundaries. The measured infiltration rates and calibrated fracture permeability of the upper unit were found to be partially controlled by the fracture patterns on the infiltration plot (as indicated by their positive correlations with fracture density). However, no correlation could be established between measured seepage rates and density of fractures mapped on the niche ceiling. This lack of correlation indicates the complexity of (preferential) unsaturated flow within the discrete fracture network. This also indicates that continuum-based modeling of unsaturated flow in fractured rock at mesoscale or a larger scale is not necessarily conditional explicitly on discrete fracture patterns.

Calibration↗
PubMed1993

Simple measurement of femoral geometry predicts hip fracture: the study of osteoporotic fractures.

Based on engineering principles, geometric measurements of femoral size should be related to femoral strength and the risk for hip fracture. To evaluate whether a simple measurement of femoral geometry is associated with hip fracture risk, we obtained dual x-ray absorptiometry scans of the proximal femur on 8074 white women age 67 or older. During an average of 1.6 years of follow-up, 64 participants suffered hip fractures. In all fracture cases and in a random sample of 134 women who did not subsequently suffer a hip fracture, we measured hip axis length (the distance from greater trochanter to inner pelvic brim), neck width, and the neck/shaft angle on the scan printout, with the observer blinded to subsequent fracture status of the participant. Results were analyzed using multiple logistic models, and odds ratios were determined. After adjustment for age, each standard deviation decrease in femoral neck bone mineral density increased hip fracture risk 2.7-fold (95% confidence interval 1.7, 4.3), and each standard deviation increase in hip axis length nearly doubled the risk of hip fracture (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3, 2.5). The relationship between hip axis length and fracture risk persisted even after adjustment for age, femoral neck density, height, and weight. A longer hip axis length was associated with an increased risk of both femoral neck (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.3, 3.0) and trochanteric fractures (1.6; 1.0, 2.4). We found no significant association between the neck width (1.1; 0.8, 1.5) or the neck/shaft angle (1.4; 0.9, 2.2) and risk of hip fracture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2002

Femur bone mineral density, age and fracture type in 300 hip-fractured women.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies showed that cervical and trochanteric hip fractures were associated with different levels of bone mineral density (BMD). Our aim was to investigate the association between femur BMD and hip fracture type at different ages. METHODS: We studied 300 postmenopausal women affected by their first hip fracture. 17 women could not undergo BMD measurement and were excluded. The fractures of the remaining 283 women were classified as either cervical (N=129) or trochanteric (N=154). The BMD of the unfractured femur was assessed by DXA. RESULTS: The women with trochanteric fracture had significantly lower BMD than those with cervical fracture at four sites: total proximal femur (p<0.001), trochanter (p<0.001), intertrochanteric area (p<0.01), and Ward's triangle (p<0.05). Logistic multiple regression showed that the association between hip fracture type and BMD was independent of age, weight, height, time between fracture occurrence and DXA assessment, number of concomitant diseases and number of drugs administered when BMD was evaluated at total proximal femur (p<0.001), trochanter (p<0.001), and intertrochanteric area (p<0.01). Age stratification showed that BMD was actually lower in the group with trochanteric fracture in the women aged 69 years and younger, and in those aged 80 years and older, but not in the intermediate age group (70-79 years). CONCLUSIONS: Data confirm previous reports showing that the two types of hip fractures are associated with different levels of BMD. Moreover, we show that the role played by BMD as a determinant of the hip fracture type varies with age.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Mortality rates of patients with a hip fracture in a southwestern district of Greece: ten-year follow-up with reference to the type of fracture.

Increased mortality after a hip fracture has been associated with age, sex, and comorbidity. In order to estimate the long-term mortality with reference to hip fracture type, we followed 499 patients older than 60 years who had been treated surgically for a unilateral hip fracture for 10 years. At admission, patients with femoral neck fractures (n = 172) were 2 years younger than intertrochanteric patients (77.6 +/- 7.7 [SD] vs. 79.9 +/- 7.4 [SD], P = 0.001) and had a greater prevalence of heart failure (57% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.03). Similar mortality rates were observed at 1 year in both types of fracture (17.9% vs. 11.3%, log rank test P = 0.112). Mortality rates were significantly higher for intertrochanteric fractures at 5 years (48.8% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.01) and 10 years (76% vs. 58%, P = 0.001). Patients 60-69 years old with intertrochanteric fractures had significantly higher 10-year mortality than patients of similar age with femoral neck fractures (P = 0.008), while there was no difference between the groups aged 70-79 (P > 0.3) and 80-89 (P = 0.07). Women were less likely to die in 5 years (relative risk [RR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.79, P = 0.0007) and 10 years (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.85, P = 0.002). Age, sex, the type of fracture, and the presence of heart failure were independent predictors of 10-year mortality (Cox regression model P < 0.0001). The intertrochanteric type was independently associated with 1.37 (95% CI 1.03-1.83) times higher probability of death at 10 years (P = 0.002). In conclusion, the type of fracture is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients with hip fractures, and the intertrochanteric type yields worse prognosis.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Distinguishing stress fractures from pathologic fractures: a multimodality approach.

Whereas stress fractures occur in normal or metabolically weakened bones, pathologic fractures occur at the site of a bone tumor. Unfortunately, stress fractures may share imaging features with pathologic fractures on plain radiography, and therefore other modalities are commonly utilized to distinguish these entities. Additional cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI as well as scintigraphy and PET scanning is often performed for further evaluation. For the detailed assessment of a fracture site, CT offers a high-resolution view of the bone cortex and periosteum which aids the diagnosis of a pathologic fracture. The character of underlying bone marrow patterns of destruction can also be ascertained along with evidence of a soft tissue mass. MRI, however, is a more sensitive technique for the detection of underlying bone marrow lesions at a fracture site. In addition, the surrounding soft tissues, including possible involvement of adjacent muscle, can be well evaluated with MRI. While bone scintigraphy and FDG-PET are not specific, they offer a whole-body screen for metastases in the case of a suspected malignant pathologic fracture. In this review, we present select examples of fractures that underscore imaging features that help distinguish stress fractures from pathologic fractures, since accurate differentiation of these entities is paramount.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1998

[Results of transcranial and subcranial management of fractures of the naso-ethmoid-orbital system in complex midfacial fractures].

Injuries of the nasoethmoid-orbital (NEO) region are associated with midfacial fractures or fractures of the frontobase in over 90% of all cases. In up to 70% fractures of the skull base run through the roof of the ethmoidal bone or the lamina cribrosa. There are different surgical approaches for the treatment of these complex fractures. Between 1990 and 1997 50 patients with midfacial fractures in association with NEO fractures were treated in the Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Kantonsspital Luzern, Switzerland. Of these, 25 had suffered midfacial fractures combined with fractures of the nasoethmoid-orbital and frontobasal region and were treated via a transcranial approach. The other 25 patients with midfacial and NEO fractures without involvement of the frontobasis were managed by subcranial incisions. A total of 47 patients were followed up for up to 4 years. The results were reevaluated retrospectively. There was no case of secondary liquorrhea, intracranial or ethmoidal infection. Our therapeutic concept of transcranial and subcranial management of NEO fractures in combination with frontobasal and midfacial fractures is demonstrated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Operative treatment of ankle fractures in adults: correlation between types of fracture and final results.

By means of a simple and easy classification, namely uni, bi- and trimalleolar ankle fractures, and the localization of the fracture at the level of the fibula; all of the 612 ankle fractures that were surgically treated at the Leuven University Hospital were easily classified. In 590 cases the results were collected 1 year after the operation by means of an evaluation system based on symptoms, clinical findings and radiographic findings. The influence of the type of fracture was analysed and led to the following conclusion: 1. Unimalleolar fractures have a better prognosis than trimalleolar fractures. 2. An isolated medial malleolar fracture gives a worse final result than an isolated lateral malleolar fracture. 3. Multimalleolar fractures, including the medial malleolus, have a worse prognosis than multimalleolar fractures without medial malleolar fractures. 4. Even after perfect internal fixation, the presence of a posterior fragment larger than one-third of the articular surface leads to a worse final result than a small unfixed fragment. 5. Weber's classification may not be useful for prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Serum fructosamine level and the risk of hip fracture in elderly women: a case-cohort study within the study of osteoporotic fractures.

PURPOSE: While a high serum fructosamine level may be an indicator of undiagnosed diabetes, a low level may be indicative of poor nutrition or frailty. As malnutrition is a risk factor for osteoporosis, low serum fructosamine levels may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. We examined the association between serum fructosamine levels and the risk of subsequent hip and vertebral fracture. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a case-cohort study within the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Subjects were elderly, ambulatory, community-dwelling, Caucasian, women. Fructosamine levels were measured in baseline serum. Incident vertebral fractures were identified by comparing baseline spinal radiographs to those obtained an average of 3.5 years later. Hip fractures were confirmed by radiograph. We randomly selected 101 women who suffered a hip fracture, 100 women who developed a vertebral fracture, and 276 controls. We compared fructosamine levels in women with subsequent osteoporotic fractures to controls. All analyses were adjusted for age, weight, and use of estrogens. RESULTS: Women with fructosamine levels in the lowest decile (< or = 223 micromol/L) had a three-fold increase in the risk of hip fracture (95% confidence interval 1.4-6.4), compared with all other women. Adjustment for markers of frailty, including smoking, functional status, and serum albumin levels, reduced the strength of this association. No clear association was observed between serum fructosamine level and the risk of vertebral fracture. CONCLUSION: Low serum fructosamine levels, which likely reflect frailty or malnutrition, may be a useful clinical tool to identify women at risk for hip fracture.

Aged↗